FAIRBANKS – Director of Athletics, Brock Anundson, and the Alaska Nanooks Nordic ski head coach, Eliska Albrigtsen have announced Sam Nelson as her newest assistant coach. Nelson's official first day was Monday, Oct. 11.

"Sam is a great addition to Alaska Nanooks athletics. He will provide a fantastic edge to Coach Albrigtsen's ski program. We're excited to bring him aboard as he'll be a tremendous asset to our student-athletes." said Director of Athletics, Brock Anundson. 

Nelson, a 2019-graduate from Montana State will join Albrigtsen on the slopes for the upcoming 2021-22 season. He spent the previous two seasons at Boulder Nordic Sport in Boulder, Colo. as well as coaching with the Boulder Nordic Junior Racing team. Nelson raced for the Bridger Ski Foundation Post-Graduate team before beginning his coaching career. While at Montana State, Nelson developed two collegiate club teams, allowing people to pursue athletic dreams.

While not competing for an NCAA team, Nelson did race while also juggling other school and club responsibilities, "He knows the strain of competing at a high level while also being a full-time student and coach and we are looking forward to using his knowledge." Said head coach Albrigtsen.

The Nanooks officially begin their season on Dec. 3-4 at Alaska Anchorage, competing for the 2021 Nordic Cup.

For more information on the Alaska Nanooks Nordic ski team, follow @nanookskiing on Instagram, or like the Alaska Nanooks XC team page on Facebook.